Stepping Into 2022

en español

As we carefully step into 2022, we celebrate our successes and look optimistically to the future. Our newest venture is writing a monthly, mission-focused blog about our programs and community connection. Welcome to our first post of the year!

Exactly 582,555 ounces of safely pasteurized donor milk were dispensed to hospitals and outpatient families throughout the Pacific Northwest in 2021. A 32% increase, despite the continued challenges of the pandemic and subsequent strain on healthcare systems. Northwest Mothers Milk Bank (NWMMB) was able to meet the demand. This could not have been accomplished without the tremendous support of 846 milk donors – amazing community members who were willing to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable infants.

“Being able to produce milk and recognize it’s life-saving properties is remarkable. Parents who are willing to donate milk that is not needed for their own infants are true heroes. Our staff values every drop of milk, making sure it reaches the babies who need it the most.”⁠

— Lesley Mondeaux, Executive Director

This year donor milk from our bank touched many families across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. In most cases babies with serious diagnoses ranging from prematurity, surgical complications, cancer, and rare genetic disorders received donor milk. Families dealing with COVID-19 complications, maternal cancer and HIV were also recipients. Occasionally, families need just a small volume of milk until lactation is established.

NWMMB is a proud member of The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). This network of nonprofit milk banks distributed nearly 9.2 million ounces in 2021, a 22% increase since 2020. The growth and collective power of HMBANA milk banks is amazing.

“Still, the need for donor milk remains constant. Supply must continually be replenished. Milk donations are always needed, especially now, to ensure the most vulnerable babies receive a fighting chance to survive and thrive.”⁠

— Lindsay Groff, HMBANA Executive Director